179 Why Are You Naked

Alexander's breathing hitched.

His eyes locked with Evelyn's.

His voice was a low, rough scrape. "Evelyn. Stop this."

He reached for her, intending to pull her back down.

But Evelyn was defiant.

In one swift motion, she yanked his tie free.

She bound his wrists to the ornate headboard.

A serious expression settled on her face. "Don't move," she ordered.

Alexander nearly laughed aloud at her audacity.

He watched, fascinated, as she checked her makeshift knot.

A look of pure satisfaction crossed her features.

Then, with shocking boldness, she tore his shirt open.

For a moment, he allowed it.

The knot was loose; he could break free easily.

But her playful rebellion was far more intriguing.

He found himself captivated by her clumsy, determined movements.

Slowly, he realized he had completely misjudged her.

There was no grace, only a raw, earnest energy.

Yet he couldn't tear his eyes away.

His gaze darkened, intensifying with every second.

"You have a good body, honey," Evelyn teased.

Her fingers traced the lines of his abdomen.

But when she looked up, she met his burning stare.

Her heart stuttered.

The teasing smile vanished from her lips.

A sudden, sharp regret washed over her.

She let out an awkward laugh.

She quickly released his wrists and scrambled back.

But Alexander was faster.

He freed his hands with ease.

In a blur of motion, he pulled her back into his arms.

Evelyn cried out as the world spun.

She found herself pinned beneath him.

"Alexander! What are you doing?" Her voice trembled.

Her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips, a nervous habit.

His dark, intent eyes fixed on that small, damp movement.

A dangerous smile played on his lips. "You started this, Evelyn. You will finish it."

His mouth crashed down on hers before she could protest.

He swallowed her words.

What followed was a blur of heat and sensation.

A night of unrestrained, fiery passion.

Neither of them could pull away.

The faint glow of dawn filtered through the windows.

It cast a soft light over the tangled sheets.

A shrill ringtone shattered the morning silence.

Evelyn groaned, her head throbbing.

She fumbled blindly for her phone.

Her hand didn't find cold plastic.

Instead, it met warm, firm skin.

Her eyes flew open in shock.

They landed on Alexander's bare torso.

What shocked her more were the marks scattered across his skin.

Her cheeks burned.

Her heart hammered against her ribs.

"Ah!" A startled scream escaped her.

Alexander stirred beside her.

His voice was gravelly with sleep as he caught her flailing hand. "What is it?"

Evelyn tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

Embarrassment and confusion set her face on fire.

"Why are you naked?" The words burst out before she could stop them.

They had only just begun sharing a room.

And he had the nerve to sleep without clothes?

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

His gaze flicked pointedly to her collarbone. "You're not wearing anything either."

Evelyn's eyes widened in horror.

She glanced down.

Her heart plummeted.

She was just as bare.

The marks on her own skin were even more vivid.

Her mind went blank.

Panic seized her.

She grabbed the duvet and wrapped it tightly around herself. "Don't look! Close your eyes!" she pleaded, her voice frantic.

Alexander propped himself up on an elbow.

He rested his head in his hand, watching her with open amusement.

"I've already seen everything. Isn't it a little late for modesty?" he teased.

His words sent a rush of vivid, embarrassing images through her mind.

Her pulse spiked.